Windows Modules Installer Worker causes high CPU [SOLVED]

Windows Module installer Worker is one of the common processes that is known to cause high CPU usage in Windows systems. The Windows Module installer worker process is related to the Windows update process and can result in high CPU usage up to 100 %, bringing your PC to a halt.

Why the Windows Module Installer Worker hogs on my CPU and can I disable it? The answer is no, you can’t. What you can do is reset the Update Services and delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. That should resolve the problem immediately. Alternatively, you can run the dedicated troubleshooter or prevent Windows 10 from automatically applying updates.

Continue reading for the detailed instructions below.

Can I disable Windows Module Installer Worker on Windows 10?

1. Delete SoftwareDistribution folder

Windows by default downloads and stores new updates in the SoftwareDistribution folder. Sometimes, the downloaded files can get corrupted and may result in high CPU usage due to consistently checking for updates. One way to fix this issue is to remove the SoftwareDistribution folder and refresh the Windows update. Here is how to do it.

Stop Windows Update Service

First, stop the Windows update service from the Services interface so that you don’t get an error while deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder.

Press Windows Key + R, to open Run.

Type services.msc and hit enter.

In the Service window, look for Windows Update service.

Right-click on Windows Update service and select “Stop”.

Close the Windows Services window and follow these steps to delete SoftwareDistribution Folder.

Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder

Open “File Explorer” and navigate to the following directory.C: -> Windows

2. Run Windows Troubleshooter

A good number of users have reported that running the Windows update troubleshooter has helped them fix the issue. Windows by default include a troubleshooting utility to find and fix issues with the Windows updates. Here is how to do it.

Click on Start and select Settings.

Go to Update and Security and click on the Troubleshoot tab.

Scroll down and click on Windows Update under Troubleshoot section.

Click on “Run the Troubleshooter” button. Windows Update will start scanning the system for Windows update issues and initialize the diagnostic.

Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the recommended fix.

After applying the fix, reboot the system and check if the high disk usage issue is resolved.

3. Stop Windows Automatic Updates

If you have set Windows to update automatically, try setting it to manual. Users have reported having resolved the high CPU usage issue, by changing the update type to manual. Here is how to do it.

Click on Start and select Settings.

Click on Network and Internet.

Go to the Wi-Fi tab.

Click on your current Wi-Fi network.

Scroll down to “Metered connection”.

Turn on “Set as metered connection” option for your Wi-Fi network.

When on Metered connection, Windows 10 does not download updates over the network, and that should help you fix the high CPU usage issue. However, this option is only available if you are using a Wi-Fi network through hotspot or router.